Corker Releases Hold on Venezuela Sanctions Bill After Maduro Government Disrupts Extradition of Drug-Trafficker Wanted in the U.S.

WASHINGTON – Following recent attempts by the Venezuelan government to prevent the extradition of former Venezuelan General Hugo Carvajal who is wanted on drug-trafficking charges in the United States, U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced today that he has withdrawn his objection to S.2142, the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014.

"A regional dialogue remains the best option to help Venezuelans find a negotiated, democratic way forward that addresses systematic violations of human rights. But the Venezuelan government’s complicity with criminal activity that threatens its neighbors and the U.S. demands a firm response from our country and other nations," said Corker.